Latest News

(Photo credit: José Lagman)

9/3/2013

ONTARIO BLUES MOVE TO TOP OF CRC TABLE AFTER PERFECT ROAD TRIP

3 September, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ONTARIO BLUES MOVE TO TOP OF CRC

TABLE AFTER PERFECT ROAD TRIP

(TORONTO, ON) – Labour Day 2013 was a day of firsts for the Ontario Blues rugby program: the Blues became the first team in Canadian Rugby Championship history to win both ends of the annual national road trip, the first CRC team to score more than 50 points in an away fixture, and moved into first place in the CRC standings on the back of a 53-23 win over the previously first-placed Prairie Wolf Pack.

“We have been looking for a breakout game,” said head coach Chris Silverthorn. “On Monday, we got it. BC gave us a big test on Friday, but Monday, we had it together.”

Following a Gord McRorie penalty to start the game, the Blues struck back quickly with Jordan Wilson-Ross running through much of the Wolf Pack defense to open the Blues’ account. Shortly afterwards, Scott Dunham finished a Ray Barkwill run to the line, Liam Underwood added a penalty to his previous two conversions, and wing Dan Moor dashed home before halftime to give Blues a commanding 24-3 lead at the turn.

The Wolf Pack’s McRorie opened the second half with another penalty, but Blues put years of frustration in Calgary behind them with tries from halfback Jamie Mackenzie, prop Creag Johnston, and replacement wings Lucas Hammond and Jake Webster. Underwood was six-for-seven on conversions as the Blues celebrated two tough games in 64 hours with wins, marking a victorious western swing. The Blues defeated the BC Bears 11-7 in Langford, BC on Friday night to open the road trip.

The lone sour note on the day was the loss of prop Tom Dolezel to a leg injury in the first half.

“This is a very challenging trip,” said manager Mark Winokur, “but it’s part of the CRC, and our guys simply got on with it. It’s a big step for the program to get two wins, and we look forward to hosting BC Bears in Lindsay next weekend with a lot on the line.”

The Blues, having improved to 3-0, now have a weekend of rest before taking on rivals BC Bears in Lindsay, ON on Saturday, Sept. 14th. If the Blues defeat BC, they will clinch the 2013 Canadian Rugby Championship, and will earn their third straight MacTier Cup.

Tickets for the CRC showdown can be reserved online for $10, or purchased at the gate for $12. The second-place Wolf Pack (2-2) are idle until September 21st, when the Bears visit Ellerslie Park in Edmonton.

Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to promote, govern, and develop rugby at all levels in a safe, affordable and enjoyable environment within the province of Ontario.